An integrated microfluidic platform for on-site qPCR analysis: food allergen detection from sample to result

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Food safety is critical under the "One Health" framework.
• The food industry requires rapid, user-friendly, and regulatory-compliant analytical methods.
• On-site testing is essential for timely quality control and safety assurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a microfluidic platform for on-site multiplex allergen detection.
• To provide a rapid, automated solution for food safety analysis in complex matrices.
• To meet the demand for short time-to-result analyses in the food industry.

Main Methods:

• Development of a fully automated microfluidic cartridge for DNA extraction, purification, and multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection.
• Integration of pneumatic and thermal control systems with a three-fluorescent wavelength optical detection system.
• On-site testing of complex food matrices for simultaneous detection of gluten, sesame, soy, and hazelnut allergens.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous detection of four allergens (gluten, sesame, soy, hazelnut) in complex food matrices.
• Achieved a turn-around-time of approximately two hours from sample to result.
• Demonstrated compliance with the regulatory threshold for gluten (20 ppm) and agreement with external laboratory analyses.
• Confirmed safe on-site usage without cross-contamination risks.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic platform offers a robust and reliable method for on-site allergen management.
• The system addresses the need for rapid, user-friendly, and accurate food safety testing.
• This technology supports the "One Health" approach by improving food safety and quality control.